by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 17, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup African Qualifier C, scheduled from November 23 to 28 in Abuja. The tournament will test the country’s cricket infrastructure and event management capabilities as Nigeria’s national team, the Yellow Greens, begins its quest for World Cup qualification.
The competition will feature six African nations—Nigeria, Botswana, Ivory Coast, Eswatini, St. Helena, and Sierra Leone—battling for two spots in the next round of qualifiers. Matches will take place at the Twin Oval, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Highlighting Nigeria’s rising profile in cricket, Akpata stated, “This is an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s unique cricket culture and organizational strength. Hosting this event will not only advance talent development but also present a new perspective of Nigeria to the global cricket community.”
Currently ranked 36th in the T20 global standings, Nigeria is the highest-ranked team in the competition. The national team, coached by Steve Tikolo, has been in camp in Abuja, with players like Isaac Okpe, Chiemelie Udekwe, and Isaac Danladi bringing valuable international experience from the Zimbabwean National Cricket League.
As the team gears up for the event, Akpata emphasized the dual goals of securing qualification and creating unforgettable experiences for both fans and visitors.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 17, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Other Sports
The much-anticipated grand finale of the 2024 Nigerian Rugby League takes place today, Sunday, at the Turf Arena Sports Centre in Abuja. In a thrilling North-South clash, the Lagos Bulls will face off against the Kano Lions in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The women’s final begins at 1:00 PM, followed by the men’s final at 3:00 PM.
Kano Lions emerged as champions of the Northern Conference, which included Zazzau Bulls, Zaria Bees, and Kano Gazelles. Meanwhile, Lagos Bulls secured the top spot in the South-West Conference, ahead of Eko Trinity, R2 Finesse, Lagos Rhinos, Lagos Haven, and De Kings.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 17, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The Rebels, Raptors, Spartans, and Outlaws have secured their places in the Showtime Bowl Series XI playoffs after decisive Week 8 victories in the regular season finale.
Rebels vs. Wolverines (44-22):
Kalada Kienka led the Rebels with an early touchdown, supported by Beatrice Abolade and Odunayo Komolafe. Despite a third-quarter resurgence by the Wolverines with touchdowns from Stephanie Chinaza and Oluwabukola Onamakinde narrowing the gap to 30-22, Takim Agbor’s interception return sealed the game for the Rebels.
Raptors vs. Panthers (46-14):
After Kayode Mafe gave the Panthers an early lead, the Raptors stormed back with touchdowns from Ridwan Adekanmbi, Clement Tolulope, and Amanda Okafor, who scored twice in the second half. Defensive efforts from Fatima Badmus and Seun Bamidele secured a dominant Raptors win.
Spartans vs. Mavericks (56-22):
Nedy Udombat, Kate Johnson, and Uju Ngene set the tone for the Spartans, while Olamide Oladoyin and Ebube Njere tried to keep the Mavericks in the game. Moyosore Badejo’s late touchdown and Farouk Folawiyo’s interception cemented the Spartans’ commanding victory.
Outlaws vs. Hawks (51-23):
Onyinye Udueze shined for the Outlaws with a hat-trick of touchdowns, supported by scores from Eric Favour and Harrison Blessing. Despite late efforts from Afeye Momoh and Peace Ikhuoria, the Hawks could not overcome the Outlaws’ early dominance.
With flag football set to debut at the Olympics, the playoffs highlight Nigeria’s burgeoning professional coed league. The Wolverines, Panthers, and Hawks ended their seasons outside the top eight, as 12 teams competed this year.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 17, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Sports, Education & Management Promotions (SEM), in collaboration with Macbones Promotions, is set to host an exciting event combining boxing, music, snooker, and fashion at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday, November 22, 2024.
The event aims to promote peace, unity, and love in Ghana ahead of the 2024 General Elections. Speaking on Omashi TV’s The Big Fight Night last Friday, HE Lord Coleman, CEO and Founder of SEM Promotions, emphasized the importance of fostering harmony among Ghanaians, reminding everyone that life continues beyond politics.
Supported by the Ghana Boxing Federation, Ghana Boxing Authority, GADUO, and various media partners, the night promises an exhilarating lineup.
Main Events:
National Light Heavyweight Title: Seth Gyimah, aka Freezy Macbones (9-0-0), vs. David Okai (19-43-0).
National Super Middleweight Title: Emmanuel Martey (18-1-1) vs. Mawuli Folivi (6-2).
Additional Highlights:
Thrilling professional and amateur boxing bouts.
Juvenile boxing showcases featuring talents aged 6-12.
Performances by renowned DJs and entertainers, including DJ Black, DJ Mr. Ray, DJ Flex, and DJ Mavin, alongside MCs like Sugar and Vessace, dancers, and other artists.
Tickets and Reservations:
Tickets are available at Omashi TV, Mamprobi Sempe, Chorkor Information Center, and the Ghana Boxing Authority Office at the Bukom Boxing Arena. For VVIP, VIP table reservations, and sponsorships, contact +233 27 1237877 or +233 244 633 563.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 16, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has pledged to extend the annual Obasa Games beyond Lagos State, offering young athletes across Nigeria a platform to showcase and develop their talents.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Obasa Games on Friday at Anwar-Islam Secondary School, Agege, Obasa expressed his passion for youth development through sports. He noted that while this year’s edition is limited to the Lagos West Senatorial District, future editions would aim to include athletes from other states.
The multi-sports event, organised by King Sports International in honor of the Speaker, runs from November 15 to December 14 across three venues in Orile-Agege LCDA and Agege Local Government. This year’s competition features football, boxing, table tennis, chess, and scrabble for U-19 male and female participants.
Obasa commended the organising team, led by Ganiyu Obasa, for their dedication and highlighted the significance of creating opportunities for young people.
> “Sport gives hope to the youth and allows them to showcase their talents. Not providing such platforms is like denying them a privilege,” he stated.
Cash prizes for winners were also announced, with N3 million, N2 million, and N1 million set aside for the top three teams in football. In boxing and table tennis, male and female winners will receive N500,000 each, with first and second runners-up earning N300,000 and N200,000, respectively. Chess and scrabble winners will share a total prize pool of N1 million.
